Familiar to international audiences for his role in the popular long-running
Australian soap "Home and Away," Ryan Kwanten comes to American
television in The WB's new drama series "Summerland." Born
and raised in Sydney, Australia, Kwanten got into acting by chance after
accompanying his brother to an audition where Ryan gave a reading and
was signed up by the casting agents.

An avid surfer and swimmer, Kwanten was cast in a guest-starring role
as a surfer in "Home and Away" when he was 15 years old. A
few years later, he landed a leading role in the series as Vinnie Patterson
and stayed with the show for three seasons. He also starred in the Australian
series "Spellbinder II" and guest-starred in "A Country
Practice," "GP" and "Water Rats." In the U.S.,
Kwanten had a leading role in "Junction Boys" and guest-starred
in "The Handler" and "Tru Calling." "Summerland"
marks his debut as a regular cast member in an American series.

Kwanten starred in a feature film about surfing called "Liquid
Bridge" that was nominated for Best Picture at the Australian Film
Festival. He recently finished production on the coming-of-age independent
film "American Brown," in which he stars as the title character.

He won the award for Best Australian Actor at the Inside Soap Awards
for his role in "Home and Away" and was nominated for a Silver
Logie at the 2002 Logie Awards, Australia's version of the Emmys.